Still Life with Fish Henri Lebasque

The composition presents a still life arranged around a shallow dish containing several fish. The arrangement is dominated by vibrant hues – primarily reds and blues – that define the fish themselves, contrasting with the darker, murky liquid in which they rest. A sense of immediacy arises from the close proximity of the objects to the picture plane; the viewer feels as though they are observing this scene directly.
Behind the dish, a window is visible, its shutters painted in a striking shade of green. The shutters are partially closed, allowing diffused light to filter through and illuminate the foreground elements. A brass fixture, likely part of the window hardware, adds a touch of metallic detail. To the left of the composition, a black and white cat appears, seemingly drawn towards the fish; its presence introduces an element of potential disruption or predation into the otherwise static scene.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, contributing to a sense of spontaneity and capturing the play of light across surfaces. The application of paint is not meticulous but rather conveys a feeling of observation rather than precise representation.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of mortality and sustenance. The fish, symbols of life harvested from the sea, are presented in a state of stillness, hinting at their transition from living creatures to potential nourishment. The cat’s presence reinforces this notion, suggesting an inherent cycle of predator and prey. The window, acting as a frame within a frame, could be interpreted as representing a connection to the outside world – a reminder of the broader context beyond the immediate domestic setting. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation on the ephemeral nature of existence and the fundamental human relationship with food and survival.